Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Milan (9-2) is coming off of a wild 67-44 victory over Detroit Denby last week in the District final while Country Day defeated Cranbrook 42-7. These teams have met 3 times over the years with DCD winning last year's week nine match up 42-26.

The Big Reds find themselves in the Regionals for the first time since the 2007 where they lost to DCD 24-6. The offense continues to put up big numbers behind the 2 headed monster of RB Trace Lindeman and QB Demetrius Barnes. The two have combined for nearly 3,000 rushing yards and 38 TD's on the ground this season. The defense has been somewhat of a question mark most of the season, but is led by one of the best LB's in SE Michigan in senior Cortez Gray.

The Yellowjackets are led by QB Steve Mann. The junior has thrown for over 1,200 yards 15 TD's while throwing just 2 Ints. Mann has a host of receiver but, perhaps his favorite receiver Roy McCree has missed the last two games. The defense is the strength of the Yellowjacket team, which is giving up just under 6 ppg. They have pitched 4 shutouts this season and UD Jesuit is the only team to score more than 7 all year. The defense is led by senior Jeremiah Tyler. The 6-3 205 lb DE has numerous Division I offers.

This should be a good game. DCD has great team speed on defense, but may be surprised by the offense speed of Milan. Look for DCD to defend the run and dare the Big Reds to throw the ball. Pick: Country Day 24 Milan 14

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Denby (6-4) defeated previously unbeaten Collegiate Prep 36-6 in week 1 of the playoffs while Milan (8-2) thrashed Chavez Academy 48-18. These two schools have never met in football.

Denby plays in the rugged Tier 1 of the PSL's East Division. Three of their losses are to Detroit MLK, Cass Tech and East English Prep. The Tars are coached by former UM player Tony Blankenship who has a knack of turning around struggling programs. Junior RB Adonte Calhoun is a rugged back who is getting DI interest. Senior LB's Calvin Moore and Otis Grimes lead the defense along with junior DE Rahim Ali.

Milan is thankful to have another home game after Denby's defeat of Collegiate Prep. The offense has been led all season by junior QB Demetrius Barnes and junior RB Trace Lindeman. The defense is led by senior LB Cortez Gray.

This should be a great match up between to good teams and even better head coaches. Denby very rarely travels out of the city of Detroit to play a game. Milan's biggest strength is speed and Denby has seen a lot of that on their schedule. Pick: Milan 28 Deny 20